Gaines allowed to use "small business owner" designation

A Sacramento County Superior Court judge ruled today that current 4th District Assemblywoman Beth Gaines (R-Roseville) can use the designation "small business owner" on the ballot for the District 6 race, according to a release from the Gaines campaign.

Challenger Andy Pugno, a republican from Folsom, claimed that Gaines is not a small business owner. He petitioned the Sacramento County Superior Court to reject Gaines' claimed designation on the grounds it does not meet Election Code requirements. In her last election, Gaines filed as a small businesswoman and worked at Point West Insurance in Sacramento.

"It is ironic that Pugno, a lawyer, was challenging Beth's designation when he is the one guilty of trying to conceal his true profession by listing himself as a small business owner on the ballot," Dave Gilliard, consultant for the Gaines' campaign, said in the release. "This case was a complete waste of the court's time and Pugno should reimburse taxpayers for the expense."

Pugno told the Journal in an earlier interview that, "my opponent, Beth Gaines, is in violation of California's Elections Code by filing papers describing her principle occupation as ‘small business owner,' when in fact the business she claims to own was created just two weeks before seeking re-election, and she cannot actively work in the business because she is not even yet licensed to do so."